The race I'll be reviewing today is part of the Hartford Track Club (HTC) Winter Series. The HTC puts on several runs each winter with no entry fee - although donations are always accepted.
Course Map
Town: Barkhamsted, CT, USA
Distance: 8.5 miles
Conditions: It was a very sunny winter day for the 2026 running of the Barkhamsted 8.5 Mile race. There was a very light breeze and it was 41 degrees Fahrenheit when the race began.
Parking: There is plenty of parking at the People's State Forest where this race is held. There are also restrooms there.
Check In: Quick with no line, this race is limited in its attendance so it was not overly crowded.
Course Description: This course comprises part of the Hogsback Half Marathon, which is held annually in September. I've run this race and the Hogsback Half before, so I was very familiar with the course.
The first mile is relatively flat, following the course of the Farmington River, but then the rolling hills take over. At the third mile mark, you turn left and head over the bridge into the little town. After a quarter mile or so, the course turns left again and then follows along the Farmington River along the opposite bank. The next mile takes you uphill, then down again. This is where the only water stop was located, around mile 4.
There is another hill around mile 6. From there, around mile 7, you will turn left again and cross the Farmington River by another bridge. As soon as you cross, you turn left again and head back to the People's State Forest parking lot a mile away. It's also on your left.
Afterparty: There were some cookies, water, and fruit snacks left when I moseyed into the parking lot. It's a free event so no complaints from me. Please note the single water stop and carry your own fluids if you want more water.
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